Contact me on our webpage and see some of the recent performances in worship, lacasadecristo.com/carillondecristo

A long time ago, in a faraway place called Chicago, I was born. I was raised by wonderful parents who adopted me when I was 14 months old. You can read the details of that part of my life in my book that is yet to be written.

Most of my life I loved playing golf but have had to recently give it up due to some physical issues. I also love building model railroads.

I worked for 20 years as an inventory manager, traffic manager, and warehouse coordinator for General Foods Corp. in Minneapolis. After moving to the Phoenix area in 1985 I owned and operated a restaurant in the Biltmore for 4 1/2 years. I spent the last 20 years of my career as a west coast regional sales manager for a small Chicago manufacturing company. I retired in 2010.

I am currently on staff at La Casa de Cristo as the assistant to our Director of Music, Jennifer Sheldon, and, along with Linda Smith, I am a co-leader of our Veterans Ministry program.

I have been a member of La Casa de Cristo since 1986 and joined the choir in 2008. Since then I have graduated from tenor to baritone. I'd say I have about 50 favorite hymns! It depends on the day. For now I will cite ‘Precious Lord, Take My Hand’ by Thomas A. Dorsey. I cannot however, leave out the Lutheran National Anthem, 'Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott’ by Martin Luther, better known as A Mighty Fortress.

I played trumpet when in school and I also play guitar. As a member of the choir, you become a part of a family who not only loves to sing, but cares for one another and you gain many new friends. The joy of singing on Sunday gives you an opportunity to praise the Lord in song while offering the whole congregation another form of worship.

About 30 years ago, I had a ‘road to Damascus’ experience that drastically changed my life. Since then, God has led me to so many opportunities to share my faith and serve Him in so many different ways. I say ‘since then’ because before then, I just was not listening. I feel so blessed to able to share my faith and my story through the different ministries I am involved in.

Blessings to all! ~Jim

August welcomes my last ‘first time in Phoenix’ month for me! I’ve been blessed by so many of you during these 11 wonderful months in precious ways. When my husband and I relocated to the Valley last September, we discovered an amazing FAMILY here at La Casa de Cristo. The blessing of God’s love is the secret sauce that makes THIS Godly family, our Godly family, so deeply special!

God sets the lonely in families, Psalm 68:6a

When any of us meets Jesus, accepts His forgiveness on the cross, and surrenders life to Him, our salvation for all of eternity is secure! It’s an unthinkable pardon for sin exacted by unimaginable sacrifice…but that is simply the beginning! We are eternally ‘saved’ for His purposes AND immediately adopted into His family! Following Jesus is not a solo endeavor, rather it is communal; it is our true, eternal family. We are saved by Him, for Him, and for one another. YOUR well-being becomes paramount to me, as should mine to you. And that is what I have discovered HERE! I thank you brothers and sisters ~

I feel the love!

ALL moms and grandmoms who want to check out our ALL NEW, intergenerational ministry and haven't yet registered, we invite you to drop in, ask questions, and enjoy our Meet & Greet Coffee open to YOU, either Aug. 27 or 28 at 9:30am in the Gathering Place. Children welcome and toys provided! Invite all your mom and grandmom friends along, too!

God continues to move here at La Casa de Cristo. We had an amazing Vacation Bible Xperience this summer as so many kids learned all about God’s love for them in interactive ways. The kids left with new knowledge of the Bible and how God continues to work today. Our volunteers left with full hearts as we got to experience His love up close.

A new season is upon us. While it isn’t officially fall (and DEFINITELY doesn’t feel like it), the fall ministry season kicks off in the next couple of weeks. Our kids, middle school and high school ministries are excited to begin a new curriculum together called Orange. Our mission is to connect the church (yellow) with home (red) to create orange. It is our desire to influence the faith and future of the next generation. Together, we are looking forward to working alongside parents to build our children’s faith here at La Casa de Cristo. Our La Casa Kids are going to kick off the school year with a series called Dive Deep. Our virtue highlighted this month is wisdom: finding out what you should do and doing it.

As we move into the new season, we ask that you pray for all the kids and youth in the church. As students begin school and schedules begin to fill up, pray that we can meet them where they're at to bring them the message of God’s love for them.

Staci Medina, Director of Children's Ministry

Parenthood is a remarkable journey filled with joys, challenges, and countless precious moments. As parents, we are entrusted with the incredible responsibility of guiding our children through their formative years, shaping their values, and preparing them for the future. One of the most profound pieces of wisdom from the Bible that speaks to this responsibility is Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact our guidance can have on our children's lives. It underscores the importance of instilling strong moral and spiritual foundations that will endure throughout their lives.

To put this journey into perspective, consider this: You have approximately 936 weeks from the day your child is born until they graduate from high school. Yes, 936 weeks – and those weeks move quickly.

This finite number highlights the urgency and preciousness of each moment we have with our children. From the sleepless nights with a newborn to the milestone moments of their teenage years, every week presents an opportunity to nurture, teach, and love them.

So, how can we make the most of these fleeting weeks? Here are a few encouraging thoughts:

1. **Be Present**

In a world filled with distractions, it's crucial to be fully present with your children. Cherish the small moments, whether it's reading a bedtime story, having dinner together, or simply talking about their day. These seemingly ordinary moments can have extraordinary impacts on your child's sense of security and belonging.

2. **Lead by Example**

Children often learn more from what we do than what we say. Demonstrate the values and behaviors you want to instill in them. Show kindness, patience, and integrity in your daily actions. Your example will serve as a powerful model for them to follow.

3. **Encourage and Support**

Every child is unique and will face their own set of challenges and triumphs. Offer them unwavering support and encouragement. Celebrate their successes and provide comfort and guidance through their struggles. Your support will help build their confidence and resilience.

4. **Teach with Love**

Discipline and instruction are vital, but they should always be rooted in love and understanding. Ephesians 6:4 reminds us, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Approach each situation with empathy and aim to teach rather than punish.

5. **Trust in God's Plan**

Remember that you are not alone in this journey. Trust in God's wisdom and guidance as you raise your children. Pray for them, seek divine direction, and lean on your faith during challenging times. God has a unique and beautiful plan for each of your children.

As you navigate the 936 weeks from your child's birth to their high school graduation, take heart in knowing that every effort you make, no matter how small, contributes to their growth and development. Embrace each week with intentionality and love, knowing that the seeds you plant today will yield a bountiful harvest in the future.

In the end, the most important thing you can do as a parent is to love your children deeply, guide them wisely, and trust in the promise of Proverbs 22:6 – that when they are old, they will not depart from the path you have helped them to walk.

Cherish every moment, for these weeks may move quickly, but the love and values you instill will last a lifetime.

Ryan Callahan, Director of High School Ministry

We had a great turn out for the Tech Talk in July. One thing we learned bears repeating...if an email or text looks:

Grace Growers will not meet in August. We look forward to having your help again on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 10am in the office conference room. New members are always welcome.

An opportunity we have here at La Casa de Cristo for you to continue lifelong learning is our next Love of Learning class, titled "Tune Into Your Soul." On Tuesday, August 13, at 1pm in Room B, Henry Molder, Native American Flute Artist and member of our congregation, will provide a brief history of this spiritual musical instrument. Henry will play several songs to soothe the soul. We will also have the opportunity to create a take home art piece (optional) while listening to this inspirational music. There is never a cost to join Love of Learning, but please sign up here so we have a seat ready for you. Embracing who God uniquely gifted you to be, is a way to honor Him at every stage in life.

 *Excerpts from Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging

Blessings...

Jean Knowling, R.N., Parish Nurse